Rafferty'sOUR HISTORY

Following his exploits as a paratrooper in World War II the company’s founder, the late Sam Rafferty, wanted a career that demanded the skills of a special type of workman. The qualities of such a man would require a skilled craftsman with the ability and courage to work high above the ground in a demanding environment. With this brief, Sam Rafferty established the Rafferty Steeplejacks Company in 1949, which then became a limited company in 1954 forming the foundation for today.

Since its formation, Rafferty’s have continued to invest in growth and diversification with uncompromising standards to their inspection and maintenance services, along with building its engineering base to research and develop market leading technologies.

Today with decades of experience behind them, Rafferty’s operate throughout the U.K, EUROPE and the WORLD as the U.K’s leading specialist in all aspects of industrial chimney engineering from inspection, maintenance and demolition to design, manufacture and installation of new steel chimneys.

Rafferty'sCOMPANY TIMELINE

1940s

Humble beginnings

In 1946 after serving with the Parachute Regiment during WW2 Sam Rafferty returns to his home town of Stoke-on-Trent and with his head for heights embarks on a new career as a steeplejack. In 1949 Sam forms his own steeplejack and lightning protection business with nothing but a few ropes, ladders, a handcart and determination for success.

1950s

Master steeplejacks

In 1954 the company becomes Limited and Rafferty Bros & Co. Ltd is born. Sam purchases some land in Tunstall, Stoke-On-Trent and builds a small office and stores. Rafferty’s become one of the early members of the National Federation of Master Steeplejacks and Lightning Conductor Engineers now known as ATLAS. Sam employs his five younger brothers and the business expands.

1960s

Raffertys’ go national!

In the 1960’s Rafferty’s obtain their first contract outside of Stoke-on-Trent. During this decade Sam further diversifies his business to encompass the design, manufacture and installation of steel chimneys. The site is further developed to accommodate larger offices and two manufacturing workshops.

1970s

Second generation steeplejacks

In April 1975 at the young age of 16, Nick Rafferty joins the company and becomes the second generation of the Rafferty family in the steeplejack industry. The face of the high risk steeplejack industry is changed by the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. During this decade the company gains a national reputation as a market leader in the Steeplejack industry

1980s

£1.6 Million contract

In 1983 Nick Rafferty graduates from working as a Steeplejack and becomes a valuable part of the office management team. In 1987, after 39 years’ service, Sam Rafferty goes into his much earned semi-retirement and Nick Rafferty becomes Managing Director. With Nick at the helm, Raffertys’ are awarded their first seven figure contract being a major overhaul to a 168m concrete chimney on an oil refinery. The contract amounted to £1.6 Million.

1990s

Raffertys’ go international

In 1993 during the first gulf war Rafferty’s obtain their first International chimney project in Kuwait. After Iraqi forces had been driven out of Kuwait, Rafferty’s were employed to undertake an internal and external inspection of two 260m high concrete chimneys. The face of the steeplejack industry is further changed during this decade by the introduction of fall arrest systems whilst working at height.

2000s

Third generation steeplejacks

In 2003 and 2006 respectively, Matt Rafferty and Dan Rafferty join the company and become the 3rd generation of the Rafferty family in the steeplejack industry. During this decade the site is again developed with the introduction of further manufacturing and engineering capabilities. The company enhances its technology and working practices to support a growing national and international client base.

2010s

Eight decades of knowledge

In 2014, after 40 years’ service, Nick Rafferty goes into his much earned semi-retirement and Matt Rafferty becomes Managing Director. Dan Rafferty earns his Directorship and the company enters in to its 3rd generation of family management. Now spanning eight decades of knowledge and experience passed down through the generations, both Matt and Dan are determined to continue the Rafferty legacy as market leaders and innovators, paving the way for a 4th generation of Rafferty steeplejacks.

Specialists in all aspects of industrial chimneys from inspection, maintenance and demolition to design, manufacture and installation. Specialists in working at height and steeplejack access solutions. Specialists in lightning protection.